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Appearance Matrix: character × scene visual

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Appearance matrix (the 2nd view in Character Bible) shows a character × scene matrix — at a glance, see which character appears in which episode / scene.

Slima Script Studio Plan view as a visual reference; the Characters tab toggles between list and Appearance Matrix views

How to open

Character Bible top toggle → Appearance Matrix.

Matrix layout

                S01E01  S01E02  S01E03  S01E04  ...
                ─────────────────────────────────────
J. Doe (lead)     ●      ●      ●      ●     ...
A. Smith (sup.)   —      ●      ●      ●     ...
M. Brown (sup.)   ●      —      ●      —     ...
Mr. Grey (antag)  —      —      —      ●     ...
  • Rows: each character
  • Columns: each Episode (or Scene, depending on setting)
  • Cell: ● = appears in this episode; — = absent

Uses

1. Read character appearance rhythm

The protagonist should appear in every episode → their row should be fully ●.
Supporting characters may not always appear — check distribution makes sense.
Antagonist may show up later → ● from E04 onwards.

2. Catch "missing" issues

If your protagonist suddenly vanishes in an episode (no scenes), the matrix surfaces it instantly — production-wise that could be a problem (actor scheduling / weak story progress).

3. See character combinations

Which characters share scenes? Which never appear together? The matrix reveals potential chemistry / missing relationship beats.

Scope switching

Matrix supports multiple scopes:

  • Whole Series: all episodes × all characters
  • Single Season: that season's episodes
  • Single Episode: scenes within that episode × characters (finer)

Switch as needed.

Live link to Scene Detail Panel

Matrix contents auto-compute from scene character chips (Scene Detail Panel's character appearance setting).

Editing:

  • Add a character in Scene Detail Panel → matrix cell becomes ●
  • Click toggle on a matrix cell (some versions) → scene's character chip syncs

Screenwriting practice

  • Protagonist-absent episodes: when you intentionally have an anthology-style episode without the lead, the matrix shows it clearly
  • New character introduction timing: planning to introduce a character in S2 → from which episode ● lights up — clear at a glance
  • Character arc analysis: combine with Storylines to see "where A-story and B-story intersect"

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